“That was the first time I ever went to a movie by myself,” said Honolulu resident Carol Takayama following a screening of the documentary Iris on June 24. She loved the experience so much that the next day she retraced her steps to the museum to become a member.

Takayama, who describes herself as “low-key,” gardens, volunteers with the Pearl City Rose Society, and follows art and fashion closely. She knew of the documentary’s subject, the flamboyant octogenarian New York fashionista Iris Apfel, from a recent feature in a Kate Spade catalog. “The way she was put together was always so beautiful, with high-waisted green pants on. She’s very elegant, with her signature round glasses, too,” Takayama said in a phone interview. (Pictured above are Carol, left, and Iris Apfel in a still from the film. They both know how to rock the shades!)

“When I went to see the movie, I just wanted to see it myself, because I didn’t want anyone to critique or say anything. I just wanted to see what it was. Now I know that she has a very strong honest personality…she inspired me.”

Following the film, projectionists Conor McGivern and Alec Singer chatted with Takayama about the film, and told her how she might obtain the lone Iris poster when the film screenings ended.

In the past, Takayama had come to the museum with friends who were members to see the triennial Garden Club of Honolulu Major Flower Show. “I never thought I could become a member. The fees were higher. Now it’s quite affordable,” she said.

“Now I know I can go to the museum any time and read a book—I can walk from work—and I am planning to visit Shangri La soon. When I was young I used to walk over there to go swimming in the saltwater pool. My mom used to say ‘Her property is private; that’s someone’s home.’” Takayama just found out that now she can tour the property hiding behind the wall above the harbor she swam in as a girl—one of many discoveries sure to come with membership.

4 Comments

It’s great that you’re now making the museum affordable and accessible to a younger section of the community. Also, of course, you have events geared to the “very, very comfortable” segment, i.e., Kamaaina Christmas et al. In that regard I request that you don’t forget the “middle of the pack” crowd, those who are on the downside of 50 and who have been long-time supporters at the mid-level contribution plateau (those who usually give $150 to $300 a year beyond their membership requirement). Several of us have felt a bit overlooked and underappreciated lately. Art After Dark we ain’t, but we for sure do consider the museum our longtime ‘art home’ and recipient of some of our estate planning. Maybe not millions, but wonderful amounts nonetheless.

We became members last year at the August Moon event. We had gone to Contempo annually and loved the summertime food and wine event. August Moon was such fun! I saw Vi Loo from a distance and got up the nerve to just go say hi to her and introduce myself. Well she is infectious in her enthusiasm and friendly demeanor! After a long chat and lots of laughter I found myself in the gift shop to become a member. Oh, and I also shopped a lot in their that night too! The Art Deco exhibit was fabulous having written a 30 plus page paper on that period made the collection especially significant for me!

Dear Alice Tucker, thank you for that valuable feedback. Your comment has been shared with our Advancement department. You are right, the “middle of the pack” crowd is a very important part of our supporter base!

Marianne Schultz, thanks so much for sharing your membership story! That is fabulous that you joined at August Moon! So glad you got up the nerve to speak with Vi Loo, our great board leader! Wow, with a paper on Art Deco on your belt, we can imagine how you were able to appreciate a whole other dimension of ‘Art Deco Hawai‘i’! Thanks again.